July 7 birthdays and deaths:

Syd Barrett

Syd Barrett, a pioneering English singer-songwriter and guitarist, co-founded Pink Floyd and created surreal, Barrett-esque melodies. His psychedelic and experimental music influenced rock 'n' roll.

Deathyear: 2006

Edward I of England

Edward I, also known as "Longshanks" for his tall stature and legendary military prowess, ruled England from 1272 until his death in 1307. He conquered Wales, incorporated English-speaking territories into Wales, and established the foundations of British parliamentary democracy through the Model Parliament.

Deathyear: 1307

Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, born in 1859, was a renowned British writer and physician. He is best known for creating the iconic character Sherlock Holmes, whose stories have captivated readers and adapted into various forms of media.

Deathyear: 1930

Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar is a legendary Indian film actor, known for his powerful performances in iconic films like "Mughal-e-Azam" and "Ganga Jamuna". Born on December 11, 1922, Kumar has received numerous awards for his contributions to Indian cinema, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.

Deathyear: 2021

Robert Downey Sr.

Robert Downey Sr. (1936-2021) was an American actor and director, known for his offbeat comedy style. He acted in films like "Pootie Tang" and directed cult classics like "Putney Swope" and "Greaser's Palace." His son, Robert Downey Jr., also has a successful acting career.

Deathyear: 2021

Vikram Batra

Vikram Batra, a fearless and brave Indian Army officer, was born in 1974. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, for his acts of valor during the Kargil War. His heroism and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Deathyear: 1999

Alfredo Di Stéfano

Alfredo Di Stéfano, a legendary footballer, was born in Argentina in 1926. He played for Barcelona and Real Madrid, winning multiple titles, and later coached Real Madrid, winning numerous cups. He is considered one of the greatest players and coaches in football history.

Deathyear: 2014

John Money

John Money was a pioneering New Zealand-American psychologist and author who made significant contributions to the field of human sexuality. Born in 1921, he is best known for his work on gender identity and his development of the three-gender theory.

Deathyear: 2006

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake was a glamorous American actress, known for her distinctive peek-a-boo hairstyle and curvaceous figure. She starred in numerous films, including I Married a Witch and Sullivan's Travels, before her career declined due to personal struggles and fading stardom.

Deathyear: 1973

Mary Surratt

Mary Surratt (1823-1865) was a boardinghouse owner and Confederate sympathizer. She was involved in the conspiracy to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, providing a hideout for John Wilkes Booth and allowing him to hide weapons in her boardinghouse.

Deathyear: 1865

Jovenel Moïse

Jovenel Moïse is a Haitian entrepreneur and politician who served as President of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in 2021. Moïse had a successful business career before entering politics, founding a cement company among other ventures.

Deathyear: 2021

Mia Zapata

Mia Zapata was an American singer-songwriter, known for her energetic stage presence and poetic lyrics. Born in 1965, she fronted the alternative rock band The Gits before her tragic murder in 1993.

Deathyear: 1993

Bill Cullen

Bill Cullen was an American television personality, best known as a panelist on the popular game show "To Tell the Truth" and as a host on "The Price is Right" and "Missing Links." Born in 1920, Cullen entertained audiences for over three decades.

Deathyear: 1990

Olivier Levasseur

Olivier Levasseur, also known as "La Buse," was a notorious French pirate who operated in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean during the early 18th century. Born in 1690, Levasseur amassed a vast fortune plundering ships and amassing a fleet of over 20 vessels.

Deathyear: 1730

Lewis Powell (conspirator)

Lewis Payne, born in 1844, was an American assassin. He was convicted of attempting to kill Secretary of State William H. Seward and his son on April 14, 1865, and was executed by hanging on July 7, 1865, for his crimes.

Deathyear: 1865

Eduard Shevardnadze

Eduard Shevardnadze, a respected diplomat and politician, served as Georgian General Secretary (1991-1992) and President of Georgia (1992-2003). A stalwart advocate for independence, he played a pivotal role in Georgia's transition to democracy and negotiated the country's independence from the Soviet Union.

Deathyear: 2014

Moshood Abiola

Moshood Abiola, a Nigerian entrepreneur and politician, was the founder of Abiola Farms and leader of the campaign for a presidential pardon for Babangida's regime. He was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in 2019.

Deathyear: 1998

Henri Nestlé

Here is 40-word write-up about Henri Nestlé: Henri Nestlé, a German entrepreneur, founded the famous Nestlé company in 1866. Born in 1814 in Frankfurt, Germany, Nestlé developed a breakthrough infant formula, which became the foundation of Nestlé.

Deathyear: 1890

David Herold

David Herold was a wealthy young man who became embroiled in the Lincoln assassination. He was a childhood friend and schoolmate of John Wilkes Booth's, and was arrested along with Booth after the assassination. Herold was executed by hanging on July 7, 1865.

Deathyear: 1865

Marthanda Varma

Marthanda Varma was the Raja of Attingal, who ruled from 1729 to 1755. Born in 1706, he was a skilled military leader and expanded his kingdom's territories through conquests. He also implemented various administrative and social reforms, earning him a reputation as a just and enlightened ruler.

Deathyear: 1758

Alexei Petrovich, Tsarevich of Russia

Alexei Petrovich, the son of Peter the Great and Catherine I, was born in 1690. As the heir apparent, he was educated in various subjects, including mathematics and languages. However, his life was marked by illness and mental instability, making him unfit to rule.

Deathyear: 1718

Max Horkheimer

Max Horkheimer was a renowned German philosopher and sociologist, born in 1895. He was a prominent figure in the Frankfurt School, known for his critiques of capitalism, technology, and modernity. His works, such as "Dialectic of Enlightenment," continue to influence critical theory and intellectual debates.

Deathyear: 1973

Moshe Sharett

Moshe Sharett, a Ukrainian-born Israeli statesman, served as Israel's 2nd Prime Minister (1953-1955) after Ben-Gurion. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he played a key role in shaping Israel's foreign policy, advocating for peaceful coexistence with Arab states.

Deathyear: 1965

Sigismund II Augustus

Sigismund II Augustus (1520-1572) was the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1548 until his death in 1572. He played a key role in the development of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, promoting Calvinism and tolerating Protestantism, while also defending the Polish nobility's rights.

Deathyear: 1572

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a renowned Irish playwright, poet, and politician. Born in 1751, he was best known for his comedies, particularly "The Rivals" and "The School for Scandal". His witty dialogue and satire have remained popular for centuries.

Deathyear: 1816

George Atzerodt

George Atzerodt was a German-American farmer who played a significant role in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Born in 1833 in Prussia, he immigrated to the United States and became acquainted with John Wilkes Booth.

Deathyear: 1865

Kenny Irwin Jr.

Kenny Irwin Jr. is a retired American NASCAR driver, born in 1969. He competed in the Cup Series from 1997 to 2007, earning two top-5 finishes and five top-10s. Irwin's racing career was marked by injuries, setbacks, and personal struggles, resulting in his eventual retirement in 2007.

Deathyear: 2000

Fred Neil

Fred Neil was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in 1936. He rose to fame in the 1960s with his distinctive, raspy vocals and poignant lyrics. His songs, such as "Everybody's Talkin'" and "Candy Man," have been covered by numerous artists, including Harry Nilsson and James Taylor.

Deathyear: 2001

Cathal Brugha

Cathal Brugha was a prominent Irish revolutionary and politician. He played a key role in the 1916 Easter Rising and Irish War of Independence. He served as the first Ceann Comhairle and President of Dáil Éireann, and was a charismatic leader in the fight for Irish independence.

Deathyear: 1922

Johanna Spyri

Johanna Spyri was a Swiss author born in 1827. She wrote novels, children's books, and folktales, earning her fame with the classic novel "Heidi" in 1881. Her stories often depicted the beauty of nature and the struggles of everyday life in the Swiss Alps.

Deathyear: 1901

Dorian Leigh

Dorian Leigh, a pioneering American model, was born in 1917. She began her career in the 1940s, becoming one of the most sought-after models of her time, gracing the covers of top fashion magazines and starring in numerous runway shows and fashion films.

Deathyear: 2008

Dick Williams

Dick Williams, a legendary figure in American baseball, played, coached, and managed from the 1950s to the 1980s. A versatile athlete, he played for three teams, managed the Oakland Athletics to a World Series title in 1973, and earned the 1973 AL Manager of the Year award.

Deathyear: 2011

Laura Knight

Dame Laura Knight (1877-1970) was a renowned English artist known for her vibrant, impressionistic paintings of circus and show people. She was the first woman to become a Royal Academician in 1926 and was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1936.

Deathyear: 1970

Thomas Hooker

Thomas Hooker, an English minister and lawyer, founded the Colony of Connecticut in 1636. Born in 1586, he was a prominent figure in the early Puritan movement.

Deathyear: 1647

Francis Browne

Francis Browne was an Irish priest and photographer who captured poignant images of World War I soldiers. Born in 1880, he documented the war's devastation and human cost. His photographs, considered some of the most important of the war, reveal the horrors and heartache of conflict.

Deathyear: 1960

Dore Schary

Dore Schary was a pioneering American film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his socially conscious dramas and films promoting social justice. Born in 1905, Schary's notable works include "Crossfire," "The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer," and "Sunset Boulevard."

Deathyear: 1980

Cazuza

Cazuza was a renowned Brazilian singer-songwriter, born in 1958. He gained fame with his band O Ranger Central, blending genres like rock, pop, and MPB. His music often dealt with themes of love, social issues, and personal struggles, showcasing his poetic and introspective lyrics.

Deathyear: 1990